I'm aiming to improve my long distance swimming. I've seen reference to 2 and 6 beat kicks. I've looked on youtube and such but haven't seen anything that clearly shows how it works. Could someone please explain it to me and point me in the right direction? Thanks,
David
Former Member
Propulsion from a kick is a lot more difficult than a swimmer usually thinks. Most of the swimmers I measure have about a 40 to 45 degree angle when the foot is on he floor (measuring with a protractor at the top of the foot). So most distance swimmers would actually help themselves (in my opinion) by using a two beat kick (not kicking) and dragging their feet close together and close to the surface of the water. By using a two beat kick in a long open water swim (800yds to two miles) you can conserve a lot more energy too. If you have great ankle flexibility, the more you can use your kick, the better. It's your call but you'd better know if your kick is a help or a hinderance. Good Luck, Coach T.
Former Member
I just did a session earlier and tried to do a two beat kick with little success. I feel forced to try to kick again with my other leg straight after the first so it goes to a 4 beat. When I was doing just two beat they seemed to sink a bit. I've got a lot of ankle flexibility. Any suggestions on drills I can try or something?
Former Member
The basics are pretty easy. A 2 beat kick is kicking twice per stroke cycle and a six beat kick is kicking 6 times per stroke cycle.
The 2 beat kick is pretty much not kicking. Your feet are just kicking enough to keep you balanced.
The six beat kick is much more tiring, but hopefully aids propulsion.
Does that help?
Former Member
Two beat for long distance and six beat for short distance (
Ankle flexibility is indeed a major component of an effective kick. I am constantly striving for a better foot point position. I sit on my heels with the feet in the point position. I also find that kicking with long fins loosens up my ankles.
I remember that a number of years ago Marty Hull sold a device that improved ankle flexibility. Haven't seen it advertised for awhile.
Former Member
Two beat for long distance and six beat for short distance And 4beat seems to be a fair compromise for several distance swimmers including Grant Hackett.
I feel forced to try to kick again with my other leg straight after the first so it goes to a 4 beat. A 4beat kicking pattern usually involves givin 3 kicks when you breathe, and only 1 after breathing (given that you breathe every 2).
Former Member
Is it possible that I am using a 2,4, or 6 beat kick without even knowing it?
My kick seems to usually consist of mostly dragging my feet with sporadic weak kicks unless I am sprinting and then I pick it up significantly.
Also in fly I can't feel much of a 2nd kick. Yet if I try to emphasize this it just gets my rythem all messed up.
Former Member
I'm a "borderline" two beat kicker (more comfy at using a 4beat pattern). I don't know if it's the result of being border line but for me, 2beat kick is still kicking. Matter of fact, each of my 2 beat kick is very powerful. When carefully timed with the rest of the stroke this kicking pattern works.
It's impossible for me to just feel like letting them drag almost inactive whilst expecting them to stay at the surface.
